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There are several waterfalls near the town of Shrfen off of Route 106. The biggest waterfall tier at this site is really impressive. (kinda like a smaller version of the Horseshoe falls...)They are now building a park all around the river bank and waterfalls in this area. Admission is 100 NT. Directions: The falls are about 15 Kilometers south of Chuifen off of Route 106. You can get here either by train or car.
This is the back entrance into Yushan National park. The main attractions in this area are two impressive waterfalls, and 16 KM long hiking trail to Walami. This trail follows an old historic trail that was built by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan.This is also a great place to camp/picnic along the riverside of this park. Directions: Turn off Highway 9 at Yuli. Take Highway 18 west for about 10 Km's. The welcome center will be on your left. Follow this road another 5 KM's or so, and it will dead end at the Walami trailhead.
Located up in the northeast corner of Taiwan is the Tsaoling Historical Trail. This trail was originally used as a short cut across a small peninsula in this part of Taiwan. The trail connects the cities of Dali and Fulung, and its origins date back some 200 years to the Ching Dynasty. It apparently fell into disuse after the advent of the highway and railroad, but has since been resurrected as a tourist hiking trail. The hike from Fulung to Dali is about 8 kms, and takes about 4 hours at a leisurely pace. Along the trail, there are good views of the coast line, and also a clear water stream. There are a couple of rock carvings of interest along this trail, which date back about 130 years. One is the Chinese letter for "Tiger", and the other says something like: "Exhibit Gallant Spirit in the Face of the Fierce Elements" I wrote down the exact quote for this, but unfortunately, due to...
Get a glimpse of colonial Taiwan at the Shuili Snake Kiln. Built during the Japanese occupation of the island in 1927, this kiln is the oldest traditional kiln of it's kind that is still operational. The term snake kiln refers to the long sloping external appearance of the kiln. The kiln and the surrounding buildings have now been transformed into a tourist area. The restoration work that was done on the buildings surrounding the kiln is attractive and the appearance is consistent with the Japanese style architecture from this period.It is good to see Taiwan trying to preserve places like this. Also, this is a convenient place to visit if you are on your way either to or from Sun Moon Lake. Directions: The Shuili Snake Kiln is located on Route 16 about 2 KM's east of Shuili.
Lintienshan is an old abandoned Japanese logging town in eastern Taiwan. In town, there are many old wooden buildings, narrow alley ways, and abandoned rail road tracks that were once used by the Japanese to support their somewhat successful effort to clear cut all the trees in Taiwan. The town is picturesque, and has an eerie feel to it. The closest thing that I can compare it to is an old ghost town in the US West. Also, it is interesting to see some of the remnants of the old Japanese Empire here in Taiwan. Looking around town, it also appears that effort is being made to restore some of the buildings here.This area deserves some more exploration, as there are also mountain hiking trails, a natural hot spring, and a small mountain lake nearby. (Chitsai Lake) But these side trips will have to wait for another day... Directions: Head south from Hualien on Route 9 until this road...
Longdong is a small town up on the North East coast of Taiwan. The rocky coast in this area is spectacular, and rivals Chingshui Cliffs in the East as the most scenic coastline in Taiwan. Activities in this area include diving, snorkelling, hiking, and rock climbing. There are a number of hiking trails both to the east and the west of the bay. One popular trail heads out about 3 KM's to west up to the Bitouchiao Lighthouse. The diving here is nothing to write home about, but it is available. Just be prepared to work for you dive, as the only access is shore dives off of the rocky coast. Snorkelling in the bay can be a pretty enjoyable was to pass the day, though..
This scenic fishing port is located just south of Suao. This town appears to be fairly popular with the locals, as the tour buses are rampant. If you want to get away from the tour bus traffic, there is a nice beach just south of town which is also worth a visit. But the real attraction in town is the Nantien temple, which has impressive jade and gold Matsu statues that watch over the harbor.Matsu is protector of sailors, so she is right here at home in Nanfangao (and for that matter, the rest of Taiwan...)
If wild hot springs is your thing, then Erdzshan is one of the best that I have found in Taiwan, so far. There is no road here, so it's either a 30 minute 4WD ride along the the rocky riverbed (when passable) or a 3 hour hike if not. Located in the Huatong valley near Fenglin.
For a relaxing cool place on a hot summer day, the pool at the base of Aohua waterfall can't be beat. The watefall is located near the town of Aohua, which is about an hour north of Hualien on the East Coast. Since this area is not in Lonely Planet or most any other tour book, you will likely have it to yourself.
WINDOW ON CHINA is the second largest miniaturization park in the world located at Sanshia outside Taipei. It's the epitome of architectural landmarks displaying miniaturized Taiwan and China, containing exact models of many Taiwanese and Chinese architectural wonders. Such as: The Great Wall. The Forbidden City, The Lungmen Caves, and Tienho Temple. Mini Kingdows, ranging from European classical architecture, The exploration of America, and ancient Egyptian civilizations. The amusement Section contains exciting yet safe facilities. Taiwanese folk performances. Diverse performances changed daily, such as: difficult foot tricks, balancing bowls on a stick, piling chairs one on top of another, and a special boat dance, as well as other various festival activities. There is also a train encircling Windows on China which you can ride free of charge. After the ride you feel like you have...
Shangri La Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei
4 Reviews and 228 Opinions We lived on the 33rd floor where has good view over busy streets in Taipei city. The room has the...
Ambassador Hotel Kaohsiung
5 Reviews and 70 Opinions We stayed in the Ambassador Hotel, Kaohsiung which is located on the Love River. This was a good...
Grand Formosa Taroko Hotel Hualian
1 Review and 119 Opinions I've known this hotel since I was a high school student, with its astonishing location, I made up my...
Reviews and photos of Taiwan attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Taiwan sightseeing.
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Q: my husband and I will be visiting taiwan on feb 11-17, 2012. there are a number of places our friends have recommended we should...
A: I spent one day in sun-moon lake area after Lunar New Year last month. Depending on your travel sytel, you can either take train to Tai-Chung city and transfer bus to...
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